There are multiple techniques in the sheet metal fabrication industry. We’re going to look at three basic sheet metal fabrication techniques for those who are new to the party.
Cutting Metal
All fabrication processes start with sheet metal cutting. The method you decide to use depends on the project’s specifications and the width of the metal you’re using. The following are the different methods you could use.
- Torching: A cutting torch is a mighty instrument that utilizes a firey flame to slice through sheet metal that can tarnish. An example of this is steel sheet metal.
- Water jet: A water jet uses a powerful stream of water to cut sheet metal. You can cut through many different metal thicknesses with a narrow nozzle that channels water at high pressure.
- Shearing: Hand shearing is the way to go for smaller projects where you need a lot of control.
- Sawing: For sheet metals that are too wide to be cut by torching, water jet, or shearing, you’ll use bandsaws and circular saws. It’s a more intense process than the others, so reserve it for thick materials.
Bending Metal
The step after cutting your metal is to curve it into the shape you need. You can choose from two options: metal brake or form bending.
If you go the metal brake route, you’ll place one end of the metal inside the gate and clamp the opposite end into place. The piece within the gate becomes raised, and the brake generates the crucial bend.
If you go the form bending route, you’re choosing an approach that’s more hands-on than metal braking. You’ll bend the metal over a side by striking it with a hammer.
Welding Metal
Another basic sheet metal fabrication technique is welding. There are a few welding choices available for the assembly of your project. You’ll determine which method is best by the thickness of the material, your welding equipment, and the kind of metal you’re using. The typical welding processes are:
- TIG welding: This method uses an infusible tungsten-based electrode and electric arc. It’s best suited for metals that are eight to ten millimeters thick.
- MIG welding: A constant wire electrode flows through the welding gun into the pool in this arc welding process. A shielding gas also passes through the gun to avoid welding pool contamination.
- Laser welding: The laser welding method fuses metals using a high-powered laser resonator to melt measure. Laser welding creates a high-quality weld.
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